If Gustafsson is indeed forced out of his match-up with Gegard Mousasi based on a cut he suffered a few days ago, it appears the UFC already has a back-up plan in place. According to a Tweet from Wanderlei Silva, he has been approached by the matchmaking team and has tentatively agreed to action against Mousasi if required.

“I am (ready). I don’t have any injury and training a lot. Fight is fight,” exclaimed the legendary Brazilian brawler.

Mousasi is also open to the two tussling if things go that route, taking to Twitter as well where he wrote, “Hey Mr. Silva, if this is true and you are ready to fight me than I accept the fight. It’s an honor for me. Much respect for you. At this moment I do not have any new info about my situation.”

The 36-year old Brazilian is 3-2 in his last five fights including wins over Michael Bisping, Cung Le, and most recently Brian Stann. He has compiled an overall mark of 35-12-1 in his decorated career with success against some of the sport’s all-time greats. 25 of his wins have featured a strike-based stoppage.

UPDATE: Apparently Silva was playing an April Fools Joke on MMA fans/media, even taking things so far as to confirm the non-existent clash to a few media outlets before revealing he was just pulling the MMA community’s proverbial leg. Mousasi was less than impressed with Silva’s actions, going on Twitter to write, “”IDIOT OF THE YEAR 2013!! Good job JACKASS!!!”

I agree that this fight doesnt make too much sense. Wanderlei is the man and i love the guy, but he’s not exactly title contention material right now. Both Gustafsson and Mousasi are. If the fight with Wandy and Mousasi materializes, it’s a lose lose for Mousasi for sure.